How to Recognize ADHD
Symptoms
By
Keith Londrie
An ADHD diagnosis
is not formal until formal tests have been given by a
licensed psychologist or other mental health professional.
Unfortunately, these days school teachers are the ones
making the diagnosis when they usually have no
qualifications to be able to do so. I think it is good to
be cautious in diagnosing disorders and loosely labeling
children with ADHD when that may not truly be the case.
Often times symptoms of ADHD look like a lot of other
things, and it is extremely important to a child's
well-being to be careful in the process of evaluating them.
It is important and essential, though, that school teachers
are keeping their eyes and ears open while teaching. If
they notice that a child is having more difficulties than
other kids, first tell the parents. Then make sure that
something is done about getting the child tested for ADHD
and other learning disabilities. Some children do not get
tested, and they struggle in school and life when they
don't have to. Education and counseling early can really
prevent children with ADHD in having as many struggles that
tend to hold them back in various ways.
After is has been decided that a child
should be tested for ADHD, it needed to be decided which
ADHD test should be taken to evaluate for the disorder.
There are a few different tests that will effectively
diagnosis the presence of ADHD. The first step that should
be taken, though, should be to rule out a physical disorder
that has similar symptoms to ADHD. A general physician will
be able to rule out that your child has some sort of
physical problem, such as a thyroid
problem.
After the child has seen a medical
doctor, the next step will be to meet with a psychologist
or other licensed mental health professional. They will be
able to give your child the necessary tests to diagnose
ADHD. You will be able to find specialists through CHADD,
which is national organization that educates and helps
people with ADHD.
When you find a qualified mental health
professional, your first initial meetings will involve your
child and a family member that has known the child since
they were young. The mental health professional will get a
detailed personal history from your child's point of view
as well as the family member's point of
view.
After this, tests such as TOVA (Tests of
Variable Attention) will be given to see if there is the
presence of ADHD. This test is a 23 minute test, and is
accurate in distinguishing is a test subject has ADHD or
not. I believe it is important to get formal testing to
know for sure whether the child is struggling with ADHD or
possibly something else such as a learning
disorder.
Other disorders that could look like ADHD
are depression and anxiety disorders, Tourette's Syndrome,
early onset bi-polar disorder, conduct disorder and
possibly other emotional problems or disorders. It is very
important to keep this in mind during the process of
evaluation.
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